President Doug Fleming began the noon meeting on Monday November 9th, with a recitation of the Rotary 4 Way Test. Doug put out a warning that we should all know it by heart, so one of these "months" we'll do it without the image on the screen.
He mentioned that November is The Rotary Foundation (TRF) month and it was appropriate hat Terry Brekko would be addressing the club today on this topic.
ROTARY AT MEDICINE HAT LEVEL:
MONARCH 1911 SOCIETY
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: Tuesday November 24, 2026 at 7pm in the Monarch Theatre.
Please attend if you are able! The program will include presentations by Society President Frank Devine, a financial report by Jillian Koch, an update on the building renovations and a report on the operation of the theatre by managing director Janessa Anderson.
Our club will try to keep track of events on at the Monarch, and will give members a heads-up about opportunities to serve. If you are interested in volunteering at the Monarch, please let Rotarian Janessa Anderson know (403-952-1907) and she will provide details of available shifts and responsibilities.
Volunteering at a show is a great way to connect with the community and support our historic local landmark.
Ideas for Future Programs
The Rotary Club's Program Committee members are Jillian Koch (jkoch@jmhca.com), Margie Booyens (margiebooyens@gmail.com), Alain Guerard (aguerard@telus.net), Sharon Hayward (sharon.hayward@medicinehatymca.ca).
PLEASE NOTE: Suggestions for club meeting programs are always welcomed and appreciated! Keep on giving us your ideas! You don't have to wait for a survey to give us your input!
Rotarian Terry Brekko, the Foundation Chair for our club did a presentation on the Rotary Foundation.
The Rotary Foundation was set up by one of the first Rotary Presidents, with the leftover proceeds of the 1917 convention with a total of $26.75 (US). Arch Klumph said that would be used to “do good in the world”. It has grown into an endowment of over $6 Billion dollars, which supports Rotary programs around the world.
He spoke about being a “Proud Rotarian”, both proud to belong and proud of the accomplishments of the organization.
The Rotary Foundation has an outstanding reputation for efficiency and it's management of funds. It has gotten 5 star reviews from Charity Navigator for over 10 years. Much more information can be obtained at https://www.rotary.org/who-we-are/the-rotary-foundation
These charts are hard to read, but can be found at the Rotary Foundation under the “Fact Card” tab.
Terry spoke about our decades long project to eradicate Polio from the planet, and that we are “this close”, it is endemic in only two countries in the world, but we are not done the work.
He encouraged everyone to signup for a “My Rotary” account, and to consider if they are willing and able to set up a monthly donation to the Foundation. Donations to the foundation find their way back to us in District and Global grants, so a donation is an investment in the clubs future projects.
ATTENDANCE: We had 18 Rotarians at the meeting, with 4 joining online and 3 special guests.
GUESTS:
Thanks to Dale Stein, and Bruce Shepard for manning the reception/registration desk today.
We welcomed David and Aaron Awudi, as guests of their Mom Kenya.
It was also great to see Iganya Abba back as a prospective member.
MEETING DRAW:
Bruce Shepard was the lucky winner of English tea and some jam.
BIRTHDAYS:
Dave Stalwick - November 8
Brent Secondiak - November 19
ROTARY ANNIVERSARIES:
Fleming, Doug - 43 years -Nov. 07, 1983
Kappler, Siegfried - 40 years - Nov. 01, 1986
Vujovic, Milan - 19 years - Nov. 26, 2007
Dressler, Lisa - 1 year - Nov. 17, 2025
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ROSE RUNNER FOR NOVEMBER 2026:
The November Rose Runner is Kenya Awudi.
NEW MINUTES AND REMINDERS:
BINGO - Dave Panabaker was very happy to report that our Saturday afternoon bingo earned a pool profit of $965.75 while serving 67 players. He especially thanked the 7 Rotarians who volunteered to work that event. Terry Brekko was the lucky winner of the guess pot. The next bingo is Wednesday evening, November 25th from 5 pm to 10 pm. An email invitation will be out later this week.
HOT MEAL PROGRAM - PP Milan Vujovic advised that the club has the opportunity to serve the hot meal program on Saturday December 5th at St Barnabas Church. The work will be between 2 pm and 5 pm, and an emailed signup invitation will be out this week.
ROTARY CLUB OF MEDICINE HAT DINNER CLUB: Would you like to be next? Please contact Milan Vujovic, who is helping out while Odessa Vermee is out of the country.
NEW GENERATIONS SERVICE EXCHANGE PROGRAM PARTICIPANT: Davi Pereira from Brazil is coming to Medicine Hat from 1 January until the end of February 2027. Terry Brekko, Ken Feser, the Craciun family, and Peter Mueller and Gwen Dirk are hosting Davi. Past District Governors Kurt Kowalchuk and Manon Mitchell will be hosting Davi in Calgary for the last few days of his two month NGSE program in our District. Would you like to host Davi for a weekend, for a meal and/or a day trip? If yes, please contact Margie Booyens (403.952.7340) for more information. Davi is studying to become a school teacher. His English is very good!
ROTARY CLUB OF MEDICINE HAT CHRISTMAS DINNER:
Margie Booyens reminded members to buy tickets for the Club's Christmas Dinner Party to be held on Monday 7 December from 5pm. A number of activities and fun events are planned by the organizing committee and it should be a great time. The members of the other three Rotary clubs in town have been invited, so our party has morphed into a JOINT Rotary in Medicine Hat Christmas party! Family and friends are welcome. Please buy your tickets online (see at bottom of ticket below) OR buy your tickets via card, cash or cheque at a Monday meeting.
CHRISTMAS KETTLE RINGING: Our Club will be collecting on two dates, Saturday November 26th and Saturday December 19th. The last spot at Walmart on Saturday December19, 2026 is still open. PLEASE SIGN UP! Click on the link that follows and type in your name!
Our Christmas kettle participation is being run by Lionel Brideson this year. If you have difficulty signing up or need to change your shift please contact him at 306-314-9988
CLUB SHIRTS: Club t-shirts and golf shirts are available at $25 and $30 respectively. If you ordered, please pay and collect from Anne Carrier or Odessa Vermee.
Family of Rotary:
Presley family: We continue to keep the Presley family in our thoughts and prayers. A Come and Go Celebration will be held in honour of the lives of Glen and his wife Carolyn at Medalta on Saturday November 14, from 1 to 4pm.
Fran Wahl: A celebration of the life of Fran Wahl, wife of the late Herman Wahl, will be held on November 12 at 1 pm at Pattisons Funeral Home.
Please keep a Board Member informed about members health and/or any other changes, so that information can be provided to the club through the Weekly News.
